Expert: Tim Runner - 11/24/2008

Question
my son is almost 7 years old an him finding school (public school) to be difficult. hes having so many meltdowns in school running bolting an flopping an they call that a good day an when he gets home hes over stressed an he crys sometimes its so bad he melts down from the time he gets home PM till PM. An trying to get him ready for school the next day is pure torched to him i feel so mean sending him back to school when he clearly doesn't want to go. hes in first grade kindegarden wasn't like this an he went to woodfords before public school an he loved everymoment of it. i talked to the assistant principal an she tried to make it about home an its a home problem when clearly its not. i just need help when can i do. i don't want to hold my son down to get him ready for school. i don't even want him at this school but i don't have the money to get him in the school i want him in. what can i do? please help me!

Answer
Cherie,

If you live in the United States, you need to write a letter to the principal asking for a special education assessments in all areas of suspected disability. The law says they have to conduct this assessment. The law says they have 15 days to prepare an assessment plan for you to sign. Once you sign it, they have 60 days to conduct the assessments and report their results to you. Meantime schedule a time to visit your son's classroom to see what is going on. Most schools ask that you schedule at least one day in advance and some will limit the time you can stay (typically an hour or two).

You might also see if any private schools in your area might give your son a scholarship. You might also look for "magnet" schools in your school system.

I wish you and your son the best,
Tim Runner, Education Advocate
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com
www.education-advocates.com (for DSL and phone)